Research scholarships

There are various sources of funding available for research students, depending on whether you are a UK and EU student, or an overseas student.

Current funding opportunities:

One fully funded PhD scholarship

This studentship is funded by the Department of Sociological Studies and the Faculty of Social Sciences. Applications are invited for social policy, sociology and social work research projects for 3-year registration or the equivalent part-time, that will include:

• the standard UK/EU tuition fees
• an annual, tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard UK research rate, currently £13,590
• an annual research training support grant of £750

Two fee-waiver scholarships

Funded by the Department of Sociological Studies and Faculty of Social Sciences. Applications are invited for social policy, sociology and social work research projects for 3-year registration, or the equivalent part-time, and will include:

• the standard UK/EU tuition fees
• an annual research training support grant of £750

Two fully funded ESRC White Rose PhD scholarships

ESRC-funded postgraduates will follow a 3-year programme (known as a '+3') or 4-year programme (known as a '1+3'), or the equivalent part-time. Applications are invited for social policy and sociology research projects.

The type of ESRC scholarship awarded is based on an applicant's residency status. UK applicants and EU applicants who have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years immediately preceding the start of their course are eligible for the full scholarship. This pays:

• the standard UK/EU tuition fees
• an annual, tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard UK research rate, currently £13,590
• an annual research training support grant of £750
• students may apply for additional funding to support overseas fieldwork, language training and overseas institutional visits.

To apply for any of these studentships please go to: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/scholarships/studentapplication

University of Sheffield Prize Scholarships

Only the most exceptional candidates will be considered for this highly competitive 3-year award that will consist of:

• the standard UK/EU tuition fees
• an annual, tax-free maintenance stipend of £16,000
• an annual research training support grant of £2000
  

For more details and information on how to apply go to: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/scholarships/prize

Important dates for the 2013 selection process. In order to be considered for any of these awards applications must have received an offer of registration from Sociological Studies. In order to provide us with sufficient time to process your application, you need to apply by January 8th.
Friday 18 January 2013	In order to be considered for any of these awards applications must have received an offer of registration from Sociological Studies
Friday 1 February 2013	All applications for studentships must have been submitted to Faculty of Social Sciences
Wednesday 6 February 2013	Applicants notified if they have been shortlisted by Sociological Studies
Wednesday 13 February 2013	Sociological Studies interview candidates for all studentships. To include 10 minute presentation on proposed research project
Friday 15 February 2013	Candidates informed of outcome from interviews

One of four Advanced Quantitative Methods awards via open competition across the White Rose partnership

The DTC will give priority to those who will be working with large data sets (an ESRC priority). Both 1+3 students and +3 students are eligible for nomination. Cross-department or cross-institutional supervision is possible, especially where this adds value to the proposed research and/or increases the training opportunities for the student. However, this is not essential.

Although these are processed and 'nominated' by the Department, they will be judged in open competition by the DTC.

If you are applying for an AQM studentship you should also complete the AQM form available from: www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/scholarships/esrcaqm

Deadline: 1 February 2013

Six Collaborative Awards

Six collaborative awards are available via an open competition for studentships in partnership with non-academic organisations. These could be awarded as full studentships, however, wherever possible, match funding is encouraged either from departmental/faculty funds or, ideally, the external partners.

The ESRC has reiterated its requirement that 20% of DTC studentships are designated as ‘collaborative awards’, although the contribution from the non-academic partner does not necessarily have to be financial. These collaborative awards are defined as follows:

• collaborations must be with a non academic organisation in the public, private or third sector
• collaborations must include substantive knowledge exchange and not just one way engagement (e.g. data collection)
• collaborating organisations should be involved in the development of the project.

More details will appear shortly at the following link: whiterose-social-science-doctoral-training-centre.ac.uk/content/studentships

Deadline: 7 January 2013